Best Maritsa Podcasts (2025)

1
Kitchen Table Issues 1:01:17

Play Pause

4d ago1:01:17

1:01:17

In what we hope is our final episode before the Christmas break, we take on one of the biggest stressors for American families: the cost of food. Why are grocery prices rising so quickly, and what can be done—locally and federally—to rein them in? Scott Faber of the Environmental Working Group joins us to explain the many factors at play, from the …

1
Global Disorder 1:12:55

9d ago1:12:55

1:12:55

Our conversations with Michael McFaul, former U.S. ambassador to Russia, always go by way too quickly with pages of unasked questions. We still fit a lot in, including the state of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. We discuss mistakes made in the Cold War, the difference in threats between Russia and China, and why he says his long-term strat…

1
Superpower Suicide 1:14:29

15d ago1:14:29

1:14:29

Former ambassador and national security adviser Susan Rice joins Grounded to discuss why America’s current foreign policy strategy amounts to “superpower suicide.” On the Russian invasion into Ukraine, Rice says not enough was done to stop Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2014 during the invasion of Crimea. When will it end? “He doesn’t stop unt…

1
Schooln’ Life Podcast - The Climb Beyond the Mountaintop with Dr. Claudia Fontes 55:55

16d ago55:55

55:55

In this Season 1 finale of Schooln’ Life, I sit down with my high school classmate turned pediatric emergency medicine physician, Dr. Claudia Fontes, for a powerful conversation about purpose, perseverance, and redefining success beyond the title “doctor.” Twenty-five years after walking the halls of Brockton High School, Claudia joins me from Miam…

1
The Montana Plan 1:23:57

23d ago1:23:57

1:23:57

We tried and (mostly) succeeded in our first live recording with a live in-person audience! The audio isn’t perfect, but we thank you for your patience! Former Montana Gov. Steve Bullock joined us for some headlines before we dove into this week’s topic: A Montana effort to make the effects of the Citizens United decision a moot point—with hopes th…

1
Schooln’ Life Podcast - Between Two Worlds with Ildulce Brandão-Dasilva 1:05:34

1M ago1:05:34

1:05:34

Two languages. Two cultures. Two sets of rules. To live between two worlds is to constantly shape-shift, and still somehow stay whole. In this intimate episode, Dr. Maritsa Barros sits down with Ildulce Brandão-DaSilva, an educator and storyteller who embodies the duality of Cape Verdean-American life: born in Boston, raised in tradition, and leadi…

1
Houston, We Have a Problem 1:03:13

1M ago1:03:13

1:03:13

It’s hard to predict when news will break, but today’s episode is quite timely. We invited Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) to join us on Grounded after being one of the subjects of a video that prompted the President of the United States to amplify posts calling for six members of Congress to be hanged. We talked about the video, if he expected this respons…

1
Pardon Our Mess 59:39

1M ago59:39

59:39

Former DOJ pardon attorney Liz Oyer joins Grounded to discuss a whole lot of chaos happening inside her former office. Hours before our interview, Congress moved to force the DOJ to release its Epstein files, raising major questions about what comes next. Oyer breaks down the complications ahead. With nearly 2,000 pardons already granted in Trump’s…

1
As the Crow Flies 28:37

1M ago28:37

28:37

The last time Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO) appeared on Grounded was Oct. 1, 2025—the very first day of what became the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history. When an event with Crow and JT lined up in Arizona, we decided it was a good chance to check in on what was accomplished during the shutdown, the renewed focus on the Epstein files and…

1
Every Day is Veterans Day 1:18:18

1M ago1:18:18

1:18:18

It’s not every day we’re live on Substack when a U.S. senator calls Jon Tester’s landline and agrees to be put on speaker phone. But that’s exactly what happened today when Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) called the farm. On this Veterans Day, we also welcome Paul Rieckhoff, a veteran himself in addition to being the president of Righteous Media and fou…

1
Schooln’ Life Podcast - Community Care with Dr. Silas Otniel Rodrigues Pinto (Mestre Tigri) 1:18:18

1M ago1:18:18

1:18:18

In this soul-stirring episode, dr. maritsa barros sits down with Dr. Silas Otniel Rodrigues Pinto (Mestre Tigri), scholar, cultural practitioner, and community builder, for a powerful conversation on authenticity, leadership, and the radical act of care. Dr. Pinto bridges worlds, the academy and the arts, the classroom and the Capoeira roda, weavin…

1
In the Room 1:04:19

1M ago1:04:19

1:04:19

Author and journalist Michael Wolff joins Grounded to discuss the new lawsuit he filed in response to First Lady Melania Trump’s lawyers threatening him with a $1 billion defamation suit. Wolff brings a unique perspective, as he’s not only spent time with President Donald Trump, but also Jeffrey Epstein. He’s written four books about Trump and has …

1
Governerds Unite 49:31

2M ago49:31

49:31

Sharon McMahon, America’s Government Teacher, joins Grounded to discuss the government shutdown, now the longest in U.S. history. We talk about the new legal battle over sending out SNAP payments and the cancellation of hundreds of flights across the country. Sharon’s energetic and enthusiastic approach to teaching makes it easy to see why she’s so…

1
Broken Harvest 58:12

2M ago58:12

58:12

2025 election results show big wins for Democrats in races across the country. What does it mean for the government shutdown? Will it change minds in Washington? Plus, our conversation about the state of farming and ranching at this moment in the U.S.— from tariffs to price increases to the government shutdown. We tackle it all with a farmer and ra…

1
SNAP Decisions 38:43

2M ago38:43

38:43

42 million people are going to bed tonight worried about the legal limbo over whether they’re going to get their SNAP benefits. In normal government shutdowns, SNAP benefits continue to go out because of contingency funds. That’s not what’s happening this time around. Josh Protas of Meals on Wheels and Liza Lieberman of MAZON: A Jewish Response to …

1
Pop Quiz 1:07:53

2M ago1:07:53

1:07:53

Influencer Emily Amick, known as Emily in Your Phone, joins Grounded to discuss headlines and why more Americans are getting their news from social media than ever. We chat about a new partnership between the Trump administration and a spyware company, the ongoing government shutdown, SNAP payments and more. Plus, we tackle messaging deficiencies o…

1
Schooln’ Life Podcast Ep.1 Pt. II: Owning Your Voice with Dr. Terza Lima-Neves 54:12

2M ago54:12

54:12

In Owning Your Voice, host dr. maritsa barros continues her heartfelt conversation with Dr. Terza Lima-Neves, scholar, author, and founder of the Poderoza International Conference on Cabo Verdean Women. Together, they explore what it means to speak truth without apology, lead with authenticity, and live a life guided by inner alignment rather than …

1
Let Them Eat Cake 46:08

2M ago46:08

46:08

Historian Heather Cox Richardson returns to Grounded to talk shop with JT & MG. We cover everything from the demolition of the White House East Wing to McKinley parallels to threats of Trump 3.0 in 2028. What is the most surprising thing HCR has seen in the last nine months? What continues to give her hope? Who does she think is getting ready for a…

1
Pickin’ & Grinnin’ 59:41

2M ago59:41

59:41

It’s been a wild 10 days for country singer Bryan Andrews, whose new song (and corresponding spicy social media clips) about ICE raids, the Epstein files and economic woes launched him into viral stardom. We chat with Andrews about his decision to get political, the country music industry and what he hears from his rural friends and neighbors. Plus…

1
Weathering the Storm 1:08:40

2M ago1:08:40

1:08:40

If you want to talk about agriculture, the weather, and the government shutdown, you’ve come to the right place. Rep. Eric Sorensen (D-IL), who serves on the House Committee on Agriculture, talks about his transition from being a TV meteorologist to a member of Congress. Sorensen and Tester do a deep dive on issues facing family farms and how to co…

1
Locked Out 53:25

3M ago53:25

53:25

While the federal government shutdown drags on, the U.S. House of Representatives remains out of session. That’s a problem for newly-elected Adelita Grijalva, who just won a special election to fill her late father’s seat representing Arizona’s 7th Congressional District. Despite winning two weeks ago, House Speaker Mike Johnson has yet to swear he…

1
Schooln’ Life Podcast: Redefining Success (Part I) | Dr. Terza Lima-Neves 55:35

3M ago55:35

55:35

In this powerful first episode of Schooln’ Life, host dr. maritsa barros sits down with Dr. Terza Lima-Neves, scholar, author, and co-visionary behind the Poderoza International Conference on Cabo Verdean Women, to explore what it truly means to redefine success. Together, they dive into love, leadership, and the lessons that emerge when we dare to…

1
Closed for Business 51:16

3M ago51:16

51:16

We’re officially in the first government shutdown in almost 7 years. While the blame game on Capitol Hill intensifies, federal government websites are adding a new tactic in the fight. We talk to Rep. Jason Crow of Colorado about where negotiations on health care go from here, messaging from the Democratic Party and his concerns about hospitals clo…

1
Statute of Limitations 32:21

3M ago32:21

32:21

On this mini episode of Grounded, we unpack the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey and its implications. Why now? What’s next? Plus, with the looming possibility of another government shutdown, there's new pressure from the Trump administration to make a deal. We breakdown what it all means.…

1
New Rules 34:51

3M ago34:51

34:51

Former VP of the Pentagon Press Association Kevin Baron joins Grounded to discuss new restrictions on journalists covering the Pentagon. What does this mean for national security? What does this mean for your access to real information? How about the future of a free press? We unpack it all, including new pressure from the Trump administration to p…

1
Bright Future 46:39

3M ago46:39

46:39

Independent journalist + influencer Aaron Parnas joins Grounded to talk about his unique approach to news, which appeals to audiences young and old. He offers viewpoints on Trump, civics education, Ukraine and his future aspirations. How do we reach the younger generations? How do we fight against social media algorithms? Plus, what Parnas sees as …

1
A Watershed Moment 36:59

3M ago36:59

36:59

Is this really where the United States of America is right now? In a press conference Friday morning, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox called what we’re living through a “watershed moment.” JT & MG share thoughts on Charlie Kirk’s murder after the political assassination of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman in Minnesota this summer. Where do we go from here as …

1
Ever Green 49:58

4M ago49:58

49:58

Former Washington Gov. Jay Inslee says you should hold on to your hats… because an AI-driven increase in energy demand combined with federal policies could mean a big hit to your bottom line. Inslee discusses his new work with Climate Power in an effort to hold the federal government accountable for policies he says will lead to even higher energy …

1
Represent 1:00:21

4M ago1:00:21

1:00:21

Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas brings her trademark wit to Grounded and talks about new revelations over the Epstein files. We unravel plans to send National Guard troops to more U.S. cities and why she thinks the average American needs to better understand the difference between police training and military training. Plus, the president’s health, …

1
No Shot 48:29

4M ago48:29

48:29

Dr. Michael Osterholm joins Grounded to talk about why he says these are the most dangerous days for public health that he’s seen in his 50-year career. “We will never forget this. It will be before and after, much like BC/AD in terms of what public health is about,” Osterholm said. We talk about the recent exodus at the CDC, the future of vaccine …

1
A Woman’s Place is in the House... and the Senate 56:27

4M ago56:27

56:27

“We have more millionaires in Congress than we have moms. There are three times more men named John in the Senate than there are moms of minor children, and this is why our policies fail women in this country, why they fail children in this country and Vote Mama is is here to change that.” That’s what Vote Mama founder and CEO Liuba Grechen Shirley…

1
Always Looking for Minnesota 1:06:25

4M ago1:06:25

1:06:25

"If my column really had an accurate name, it would be called ‘Always looking for Minnesota." NYT columnist and three-time Pulitzer Prize winner Thomas Friedman joins JT & MG to chat about foreign policy, how growing up in St. Louis Park, Minnesota shaped his political worldview, and the recent Trump administration move that gives him fear about th…

1
JT squared 52:37

4M ago52:37

52:37

As Politico wrote Friday, “the Senate map suddenly looks a lot better for Democrats. But still not a slam dunk.” Democratic Iowa state Rep. Josh Turek sure hopes so, as he just announced his candidacy for the Senate seat currently held by Republican Sen. Joni Ernst. You may have seen his splashy campaign launch video in which he crawls up stairs to…

1
Texas Two-Step 1:06:37

4M ago1:06:37

1:06:37

As the fight over redistricting in Texas threatens to explode in states across the country, we dig into what’s ahead with former Housing and Urban Development Sec. Julian Castro, who also once served as the mayor of San Antonio. How far does this fight over gerrymandering go? What does it mean for the rest of the country? How will it impact the 202…

1
Work Truck 1:03:46

5M ago1:03:46

1:03:46

Former Republican Rep. Joe Walsh joins JT & MG to hash out the headlines over coffee. We talk about his transition from a moderate Republican to a Tea Party activist to an Independent and now, a Democrat. Plus, his proposal for a national strike to fight back against the Trump administration, his frustration with lawmakers, and his pitch for a Test…

1
The Other List 1:06:56

5M ago1:06:56

1:06:56

The headlines about Jeffrey Epstein keep coming and we asked high-profile attorney Gloria Allred to help us unpack what’s happening. Gloria has represented dozens of Epstein’s survivors. What about that list? When did the allegations first come on her radar? How are the survivors holding up with so much renewed focus on Epstein and his convicted ac…

1
The Art of the... Distraction 1:08:33

5M ago1:08:33

1:08:33

As pressure mounts over the Epstein files, the Trump administration is leaning on an old target: former President Barack Obama. Ned Price, who served in various government roles related to national security and diplomacy, joins Grounded to discuss the latest accusations of treason being thrown at Obama from the Trump administration related to Russi…

1
In Our Defense... 1:07:25

5M ago1:07:25

1:07:25

How can the U.S. government best fund our military and defense? It’s not just a political issue—it’s a national security issue. On this episode dedicated to our defense budget and national security, we’re joined by former Navy Under Secretary Erik Raven and Kate Käufer, both of whom served as advisers to Jon Tester when he served as Chair of the Se…

1
List? What List? 1:06:57

5M ago1:06:57

1:06:57

The focus on the Epstein files continues to intensify, despite President Trump trying to talk about literally anything else (enter the Washington Commanders). Longtime political analyst and independent journalist Chris Cillizza joins JT & MG to discuss what this means for MAGA as loyalists start saying things like, “Dangling bits of red meat no lon…

1
Make it Rain 1:07:37

5M ago1:07:37

1:07:37

Former Trump “fixer” Michael Cohen joined JT & MG for an unfiltered live conversation about the Jeffrey Epstein files, the fracture inside MAGA and what Donald Trump’s end game. The chat became lively many times, including when talking about Congress, beef with both political parties and the idea of a town hall in Butte, America.…

1
We’ll Do it Live 54:29

5M ago54:29

54:29

Ryan Busse, a former firearms executive who ran for governor in Montana, joined JT & MG for a live coffee chat about the big headlines from over the weekend. FEMA, fury over Epstein, cuts to medicaid, public lands, immigration… we hit on a lot. Here’s a spoiler: Tester says Congress needs to do its job. This episode was recorded live on the morning…

1
With Friends Like This 1:12:10

6M ago1:12:10

1:12:10

Everyone’s favorite Senate bromance reunites for this lively episode of Grounded. Despite repeatedly saying he doesn’t like Jon Tester, Sen. Cory Booker joins us to chat about the vibe in the U.S. Senate, the record-breaking filibuster, and what it will take to win as a Democrat in 2026. Booker talks about his efforts to be more creative when it co…

1
Treason...? 1:02:21

6M ago1:02:21

1:02:21

Nothing was off limits in this episode with Miles Taylor, who was once a part of the Trump administration and was later exposed as the author of a 2018 NYT op-ed under the pen name, “Anonymous.” We talked about Taylor’s initial concerns working for Trump 1.0, what’s different in Trump 2.0, retribution for even associating with dissenters and more. …

1
Pistol Pete 48:47

6M ago48:47

48:47

As the Senate participates in a “vote-a-rama,” we unpack what’s happening with former Sec. of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, including his top three issues with the “Big, Beautiful Bill.” How does Mayor Pete stay engaged AND grounded? Plus, the announcement from Sen. Thom Tillis that he’s not running for reelection, air travel concerns and the 2028…

1
Citizens Divided 37:05

6M ago37:05

37:05

An episode dedicated to the Citizens United decision of 2010 and its impacts on the way our political system works today. It’s estimated the campaign spending in former Sen. Tester’s most recent 2024 race neared $300 million, a huge departure from the $27.5 million spent during his first Senate race in 2006. We talk with the president of End Citize…

1
I Said What I Said 50:27

6M ago50:27

50:27

Veteran journalist Terry Moran joins Grounded to talk about life after his departure from ABC News. We chat about what he’s seeing on the ground in Springfield, Ohio— home to a large population of Haitian immigrants trying to figure out what’s next since the Trump administration revoked their temporary protected status. Where do they go from here? …

1
Courage 1:03:33

6M ago1:03:33

1:03:33

“I do not understand this adhesive that holds them so tight when they know that things are wrong.” Former Montana Gov. Marc Racicot (and former chair of the RNC) talks with JT and MG about getting booted from the Montana Republican Party after speaking out against Donald Trump, when he thinks the viciousness in politics took a hard turn, and his co…

1
War Games 51:42

6M ago51:42

51:42

Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin (who served alongside military in Iraq) of Michigan joins JT and MG to unpack the events that unfolded in Iran over the weekend, where we go from here, ideas for the future of the Democratic Party and her recent spicy exchange with Sec. of Defense Pete Hegseth. Plus, a little love for Detroit and Minnesota.…

1
Put a Dollar in the Swear Jar 1:11:35

6M ago1:11:35

1:11:35

Grounded gets spicy with our friend Katie Phang, a former prosecutor, longtime legal analyst and former host of the Katie Phang Show. We chat about Iran, the Tucker Carlson v. Ted Cruz video, the necessary evolution of informative media and why Katie thinks there’s still a measure of respect for the Judicial Branch. If you’ve found yourself thinkin…

1
Double Duty 1:09:13

7M ago1:09:13

1:09:13

We had planned to solely chat with former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn for this episode, but something happened Wednesday night that prompted us to add another guest to the mix. Dunn and JT share some behind the scenes anecdotes about Jan. 6, 2021, and their response to the Trump administration calling the LA protesters insurrectionists. We al…